Lions vs Cheetahs Predictions & Tips - Lions to send defending champions packing

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 12 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 12 Sep 2024

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Lions have won 9 out of their last 10 matches.
Lions topped the Currie Cup table and recently beat the Cheetahs by 17 points.
Cheetahs have had an inconsistent season but secured a playoff spot with a crucial win against the Pumas.

Expired

Lions are favorites, having won 9 out of 10 matches this season (Getty Images)

Lions vs Cheetahs Preview

The Lions have been sublime this season, topping the table with just one loss all season. They also comfortably beat the Cheetahs away just a few weeks ago. I am backing a tighter contest this time around with a win by 1-12 points predicted to the hosts.

Lions vs Cheetahs Preview
Head to Head
Lions Form
Lions Injuries & Team News
Cheetahs Form
Cheetahs Injuries & Team News

Lions have won 9 of their last 10 matches.
Lions topped the Currie Cup table.
Lions beat the Cheetahs by 16 points a few weeks ago.
Cheetahs have lost 3 of their last 4 matches.

Head to Head

Lions beat the Cheetahs 38-21 at the Free State Stadium just a few weeks ago.

Lions Form

The Lions have enjoyed a fantastic Currie Cup season to date, winning nine of their 10 round robin matches. They topped the table with 43 points, five clear of second place.

The only defeat the Lions suffered this season came at the hands of the Sharks in round four. Since then, they have won six in a row.

That run includes a 38-21 win at the Cheetahs in round eight. Thereafter, the Lions also beat the Bulls 57-33 and last week thrashed the Griffons 62-5.

Lions Injuries & Team News

The Lions will likely make a few changes to the side that beat the Griffons. They rested some key players in that fixture.

Cheetahs Form

The Cheetahs are the defending Currie Cup champions but will require a massive performance to retain that title in 2024. They have been well below their best this season thus far.

With five wins, four defeats and a draw, the Cheetahs inconsistency has been surprising this season. They just made it into the playoffs thanks to a win against the Pumas last weekend.

While the season started well, the wheels came off with three losses in a row to the Sharks, Lions and Griquas in rounds seven, eight and nine. Two of those were home defeats.

Last week, in a must-win match, the Cheetahs finally found their feet again, running in a 41-14 win at the Pumas.

Cheetahs Injuries & Team News

After a strong showing last week, there shouldn’t be too many changes to the Cheetahs outfit this weekend.

Verdict

Lions v Cheetahs

I am backing the Lions to win this Currie Cup semi-final by 1-12 points.

Lions by 1-12

Winning Margin

@8/5 - 3 Units

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